Zimbabwe’s tobacco output may decline by at least 10 percent this year due to the late start of the cropping season and the ongoing drought, reports The Herald, quoting Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chief executive Andrew Matibiri.

Last year, the country produced nearly 200 million kg, down from 216 million kg in 2014, the record tobacco output in just over a decade.

Zimbabwe earned $855 million from tobacco exports in 2015, about 11 percent more than the previous year on higher prices and demand from China, according to the TIMB.

While tobacco output will decline, the quality could be better, particularly that of the irrigated crop, Zimbabwe Research Board director Delia Garwe said in an interview. Out of 91,160 ha planted last season, about 15 000 ha were put under irrigation.

“We are expecting a very good quality crop especially the irrigated crop,” said Garwe.

In recognition of the potential impact of the El-Nino induced drought on tobacco output, the Government reduced tobacco levy from 1.5 percent to 0.75 percent,” Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa said in the 2016 National Budget.